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Livingstone plans ‘great gate of London’

TYNESIDE has the Angel of the North, Manchester has its giant B of the Bang sculpture. But for drivers entering Britain's capital, the nearest they get to a welcome is Gateway services on the M1.

Now Ken Livingstone, the London mayor, wants to proclaim to visitors the boundaries of his territory with as many as six new landmark sculptures.

A project team headed by Nicky Gavron, Livingstone's deputy, is being set up and will be advised by Lord Rogers, designer of the Lloyd's building and the Millennium Dome. Sir Terry Farrell, architect of the MI6 headquarters, has also discussed the plan with Gavron.

Although ideas are at an early stage, those so far suggested include giant arches or ring-like sculptures on the theme of the 2012 Olympics.

Farrell said: "It's hard to know when you are actually in London. It might be there in the subconscious and drivers will think